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The former Philadelphia Police veteran caught on video hitting a woman is charged with simple assault, a second degree misdemeanor, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.

Internal Affairs says former Police Lieutenant Jonathan Josey showed up early Friday to turn himself in.

Josey's Lawyer Says Charges Should Be Dropped

On Thursday, prosecutors announced an assault charge against Jonathan Josey. Josey, a former Philadelphia Police lieutenant, was caught on video hitting a woman during Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities back in September. NBC10's Deanna Durante spoke to Josey's lawyer. (Published Thursday, Nov 15, 2012)

Back in October, cell phone video was released showing the former lieutenant hitting a woman at the Festival de la Americas following the Philadelphia Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sept. 30. The video received more than 1.5 million views on YouTube.

Former Philly Cop Seen Hitting Woman to be Charged

The District Attorney is set to charge former Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Jonathan Josey, after he was caught on camera hitting a woman. It happened during festivities following the Puerto Rican Day Parade. (Published Thursday, Nov 15, 2012)

The incident happened near 5th and Lehigh Streets in North Philadelphia, after the parade on the Parkway. Parade organizers say they had nothing to do with the North Philadelphia event.

Officials say Aida Guzman of Chester was spraying silly string at officers involved in a traffic stop when she was hit by Josey. Her face was bleeding as officers took her away. Guzman was cited for disorderly conduct but the charge was subsequently dropped.

McNesby claimed he was "disappointed" in Williams' decision to charge Josey with assault.

"There are clearly two sets of rules here in Philadelphia," said McNesby. "One for police officers and one for the community. We don't believe he should be charged. You never see someone arrested for simple assault in the city. Never. It's always a private criminal complaint. Whatever the reasoning is, it is. So we'll deal with it."

McNesby also told NBC10 the FOP still supports Josey and will continue to fight for his job.